The Scottish Languages Baccalaureate was launched in 2009 for pupils who are very keen on modern languages. Its aim is to encourage more young people to study language courses in upper secondary school and to help young people to make the transition from school to Higher or Further education and employment.
To pass the Baccalaureate, you must do the following by the end of S6:
- Gain qualifications in two modern foreign languages and in English. Two of these qualifications must be Advanced Highers; the other one must be a Higher.
- Carry out and pass an Interdisciplinary Project (IP).
The modern foreign languages offered at Anderson High School to the required level are French and German. If you have only studied one language in S3 and S4, you may be able to start a second language and take it to Higher or Advanced Higher during your time in S5 and S6. Several pupils from different parts of Shetland have done this successfully.
The Interdisciplinary Project is what makes a Scottish Baccalaureate unique. It is an Advanced Higher Unit (equivalent to half of an Advanced Higher) in which you apply your subject knowledge in realistic contexts. You carry out an investigation or practical assignment of your own choice — possible themes could be:
- ‘How Shetland’s culture is perceived by visitors from various countries’.
- ‘Use of language skills in employment in Scotland’.
- ‘How companies advertise products in different ways in different languages’.
This is likely to involve you working outwith the school, for example in a community or workplace setting, or by video link with universities or colleges in Scotland or with people abroad.
The Interdisciplinary Project will help you to develop and show evidence of initiative, responsibility, and independent working, skills of real value in the world of Higher Education and work. You will also receive plenty of support from teaching staff.
It is possible to pass the Baccalaureate ‘with Distinction’. This requires a grade A in one of the Advanced Higher courses, one other grade A in any other component, and at least a grade B in all other components. The IP is assessed internally and externally verified.
